MAGIC UPDATE: Steve Francis is still having problems with his left eye, which has some blurry vision. It was scratched Saturday against Philadelphia and remains unusually red. Grant Hill has a sore knee but is expected to play tonight, the last game before the all-star break. Orlando would love to go into the break with another win.

CLIPPERS UPDATE: They are nearing the end of a brutal nine-game road trip. This is Game 7, with a game in Miami on Wednesday. Although they are returning home during all-star weekend, they leave again for Phoenix after the break. The Clips have lost five games in a row. Ex-Magic player Corey Maggette remains their leading scorer, but he is now in a reserve role.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The upcoming break excited both teams, but the Magic don't have to play Wednesday like the Clippers do. Keeping their focus off the break will be key if the Magic hope to win. The Clips are led by Elton Brand, averaging 20.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He is a tough assignment for rookie Dwight Howard. If Howard can contain him, Orlando will have a much easier time.

stevo

02-15-2005 02:46 PM

RE:Magic scouting report

Is this the game Clips tire out?

Really tempting on the -3.5

LowKey

02-15-2005 09:08 PM

RE:Magic scouting report

3.5 is tempting and the Clippers struggled without Jaric before (I believe he is out today). Orlando has played some bad teams lately and barely got the job done. That leaves me a little worried about what they will do tonight. Normally with this low of a line and this big of a discrepancy in home record vs road record I would jump on Orlando but I don't really trust them.